Freshman Jonaz Walton rushed for 120 yards on 23 carries and added two catches for 28 yards against North Carolina. (Photo: Tim Erskine/Fighting Irish Preview)
Notre Dame needed somebody to take over Saturday. Jonaz Walton did—and he earned the RB1 job in the process.
With rain falling in Chapel Hill and North Carolina threatening to turn the game, the Irish leaned on their freshman running back and an offensive line that was ready to move people. The Tar Heels knew the run was coming. Notre Dame kept handing it off anyway.
That was the biggest takeaway from the Irish’s 37-26 win. A running game that had spent four weeks trying to find its footing became the thing Notre Dame could count on.
The Irish weren’t perfect. They led just 21-14 at halftime, then gave up a 98-yard kickoff return that cut the lead to one. There was plenty to clean up.
But there was also a game to take over. Notre Dame did it on the ground.
WALTON TAKES CHARGE
Walton ran for 120 yards on 23 carries, and when Notre Dame needed to take control in the third quarter, the freshman took over.
That’s what Notre Dame needs from its running game. Walton has the speed to make explosive plays, but Saturday showed he can also handle a heavy workload when the Irish need to lean on him. He converted two fourth downs on a marathon third-quarter drive and kept the offense moving.
At this point, Walton should be the guy leading this backfield.
The offensive line deserves a lot of credit, too. Notre Dame’s front opened up running lanes throughout the game and gave the backs room to work. The improvement in the run game isn’t just about the running backs. The offensive line is playing with more confidence and physicality, and that is giving this offense another dimension.
Nolan James Jr. also deserves a bigger role. James carried the ball six times for 49 yards on the final drive of the third quarter, then caught a touchdown pass on the first play of the fourth. He gives Notre Dame another back who can make plays when his number is called.
Aneyas Williams is still going to matter. He can catch the ball, make plays in space and give the Irish another option out of the backfield.
But right now, Walton is RB1. James is right behind him. Williams is the third piece. And that’s a pretty good “problem” for Notre Dame to have.
FIVE TOUCHDOWNS. ONE CJ CARR.
CJ Carr was really, really good. He completed 21 of 29 passes for 234 yards and four touchdowns while adding another touchdown on the ground.
Carr made big throws throughout the game and kept finding ways to answer whenever North Carolina made things interesting. He finished with five total touchdowns and continues to look like a quarterback Notre Dame can rely on when the game gets tight.
FAISON GOES TO WORK
Jordan Faison’s first quarter was one of the most impressive stretches of football Notre Dame has seen from a receiver this season. He was involved immediately and helped lead the offense early, including a 28-yard touchdown and another touchdown later in the first half.
Faison finished with eight receptions for 132 yards and continues to prove he is one of the most important pieces of this offense. Notre Dame already knows Faison is a weapon. Saturday was another reminder.
BEND, THEN GET THE STOP
Giving up 26 points isn’t what Notre Dame wants, although six of those came on North Carolina’s kickoff return. The defense had things to clean up, but it didn’t have to be perfect Saturday.
The Irish controlled North Carolina’s running game, holding the Tar Heels to just 77 rushing yards. North Carolina had rushed for 214 yards in its prior game against Clemson.
Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa and Luke Talich both came away with interceptions, while Boubacar Traore was constantly around the quarterback. Armel Mukam also played well and continued to show why this defensive line has so much depth.
And Talich keeps making plays. He has now picked off two passes this season, and every time he gets on the field, he seems to find a way to make something happen.
The defense gave up some yards through the air. But when Notre Dame needed stops, it made them. That was enough.
PORATH COMES THROUGH
And yes, Spencer Porath made a field goal in the rain. That might not be the biggest storyline from Saturday, but it was relieving to see after the struggles Notre Dame dealt with last season in the kicking game.
Those little contributions matter over the course of a season.
THE IRISH HAD AN ANSWER
North Carolina’s kickoff return could have changed the game. Instead, Notre Dame answered.
The running game took over. Carr made plays. The defense got stops. Notre Dame controlled the clock and pulled away. That’s what stood out most.
Notre Dame can give up some big plays, have some defensive issues and leave points on the field. And it can still find a way to take control.
The running back room is getting deeper. Carr continues to look like one of the best quarterbacks in the country. Faison is making big plays. Talich keeps finding the football. The defensive line keeps producing.
Notre Dame is 5-0. And with a running game it can lean on, this offense just became harder to defend.